The Brumbies will risk Morne Steyn's deadly-accurate boot once more in a bold attempt to bully the Bulls at the breakdown.
The Brumbies have conceded more penalties than any other Super Rugby side this year, yet coach Jake White says his unchanged side won't back down from the aggressive ruck tactics that earned them Sunday's (AEST) semi-final game against the Bulls in Pretoria.
"In the stats you can see we've got the most pilfers, the most turnovers and best ability to slow down the opposition ball," White said.
"So with that comes the chance of giving a penalty away.
"One goes in hand with the other and I'm prepared to take the risk of conceding a penalty or two, knowing full well that you get a lot of return on what we do at the breakdown."
White knows all too well the 1214-metre altitude at Loftus Versfeld means Steyn can calmly slot penalty goals from 55-metres out.
The 29-year-old five-eighth punished the Brumbies in their last visit to Pretoria in 2012, kicking seven penalty goals, a conversion and a drop goal (26 points) to lead his side to a 36-34 victory despite being outscored five tries to two.
And it seems his radar is just as accurate in 2013.
Steyn has knocked over more penalty goals (51) this season than any other player in the history of Super Rugby, boasting an accuracy rate of 85.6 per cent when taking shots at goal.
"Morne is one of the best kickers in world rugby, especially at Loftus. He obviously kicks a lot better at his home ground," White said.
"There's nothing you can do about the ball going 10 metres further (at Loftus).
"We've just got to make sure we don't concede penalties but at the same time be as aggressive as we can at the breakdown."
Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Clyde Rathbone, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (c), George Smith, Peter Kimlin, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio. Res: Siliva Siliva, Ruan Smith, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Andrew Smith, Joseph Tomane.
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